Replaced IAC,MAP and Ignition coil. Cranks but wont start, can hear pump prime and smell fuel. Sputters and cranks but wont turn over. What else could it be?? Converter?? Crank sensor??

Will it keep running if starter fluid is sprayed into a vac hose when it's started? If not it's a spark problem.
If it does keep running then it is lacking fuel.
Remember,the fuel pump runs off power from the oil pressure switch once you use up the fuel from the "prime cycle" when you first turn the key on.

Are you getting spark if not check cam sensor.

I would be checking to see why there is power to the pump with the ignition off as this is a source to flat battery overnight.. May be a relay is still activated by a power source other than the ignition.

Sounds like a bad fuel pump. Check the schrader valve for fuel, or check fuel pressure. Listen and hear if the pump is turning on when priming the ignition.

if it cranks then check the starter, if you get nothing, then check the battery. It could be fuel delivery (fuel pump). It could be clogged or just dead. You could also check the fuel filter if it starts and sputters out. If the fuel pump is bad you will not hear it prime up.. Turn your car to ACC (not start) and see if you hear the electric whuzzzzzing sound of the pump activating. this should tell you if it is working or not.

check the ignition control module wires are shorting out? Try the wiggle test next time no start. wiggle the wires and see if it starts.This is a factory mechanic approved test procedure.

This may be a result of no fuel or no spark. To test, remove a spark plug after turning the engine over for a few turns and smell it. If it smells like gas, it's a spark problem, if not you should check your fuel lines for leaks or your fuel pump. A quick way to test the fuel pump is to put the key in the ignition, turn it to "on" but don't try to start the car and listen for the pump to "prime" the system. It will sound like a low humm.

To check for spark, remove a plug and hold it against the engine block while someone tries to start the car (only turn the engine over once or twice while doing this!). If you are getting spark, you should see it. If you aren't, check the firing order, the distributor cap/coil packs, wires, and the plugs themselves.

I hope that helps and good luck!

If the engine cranks over normally when you attempt to start you car, but the engine does not start, the problem may be NO FUEL, NO SPARK or NO COMPRESSION. The engine needs adequate fuel pressure, a properly timed spark and normal compression to start.


1) To find why the engine won't start, remove the air inlet tube from the throttle body, push the throttle open and spray a small amount of aerosol starting fluid into the engine. Crank the engine. If it has spark and compression but NO FUEL, it will start and run a few seconds before dying. If it does NOT start, it probably has NO SPARK.

2)Another method to check for spark is to pull a spark plug wire off of a spark plug (if it has plug wires, coil-on-plug ignitions do not) and place the open end of the plug wire near a metal surface on the engine. Have a helper crank the engine while you watch for a spark. DO NOT hold the wire while doing this as it can shock you. If you see a spark, the problem is not spark, but most likely NO FUEL or NO COMPRESSION. If you do not see a spark, the problem is in the IGNITION CIRCUIT.

3)Proper fuel pressure is critical for fuel injected engines to start and run. You should hear the fuel pump inside the fuel tank buzz for a couple of seconds when the ignition is turned on (no buzz means the pump is not running and the engine is not getting fuel). You can smell the tailpipe for gasoline vapors after cranking the engine. If you smell gas, the problem is likely not fuel but NO SPARK. You can also remove the plastic cap and press the schraeder valve test fitting on the fuel rail to see if there is any fuel pressure to the engine (not a very accurate test because fuel pressure must be at a certain level for the engine to start, for that you need a gauge). Even so, no fuel at the fuel rail would tell you fuel is not getting to the engine..

possible timing belt slipped or broken.

I have the same problem on my 2002 Eclipse RS 2.4l 4 cylinder. Replaced the battery, starter, fuel pump(not at one time) . It started up when I had the starter put on as well the fuel pump. But everytime I started the car up it ran good till I turned it off the problem was still there. The car sounds like it wants to start but it sputters you can smell the gas so I know its getting fuel. it starts up fine with a cold start like in the morning.

Try getting a diagnostic thats what Im going to do next week.
good luck!!!